31 January - Google Part 1

I am already pretty familiar with Google and its different functions, but it was good to review it all. Learning how to do the pretty link was the best part of last times class. I have always wanted to know how to do that and I was most surpriesed at how easy it is. My husband laughed because I came right home and showed him; apparently it is old news to everyone but my. I never really thought about what Google would mean to me as a teacher until I did my observations last semester; both of the classes I observed had class websites through Google. I have found that this would be something I would want to do. I can post daily summaries of the class so if one of my students is absent they can get on there and see what they missed, what was due, what the homework is, etc. I also can put up any worksheets, review sheets, and reading guides that my students may need. That way if a student of mine looses thier paper I can have them print a new one off. Now with my ability to make a pretty link I can create links to current event articles on my classroom website.

Another feature I think would be good for my future classroom is Google Docs. I find that I do not like Google Docs because I hate the formatting and whenever I use it my computer runs slowly. However, I do think that Google Docs is a good way to have my students collaborate on assignments. I can also have my student create presentations on Google Presentations and give them in class. That way they do not need to worry about having their computer or flash drive. The presentation would be on Google Presentations and we can just pull it up in class. My only concern about having a class website or using Google Docs or Presentations is that not every student has access to a computer or the internet. I know that when I was coaching up at Riverton High School we had a team blog that had the rehearsal schedule and reminders, but not all of my students had access to the internet at home.